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Can you take Papaverine with Sublocade?

1 drug interaction and 40 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Major drug interactions

Major:

papaverine buprenorphine

Applies to: papaverine and Sublocade (buprenorphine)

Before getting treatment with papaverine, let your doctor know if you are currently using buprenorphine. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

buprenorphine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Sublocade (buprenorphine)

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with buprenorphine. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. You should also avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as this may increase the blood levels and effects of buprenorphine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. Do not exceed the dose of buprenorphine prescribed for you or use the medication more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed by your doctor. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

papaverine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: papaverine

The following interaction applies only when papaverine is used as part of a combination containing both papaverine and phentolamine that is injected into the penis. Smoking tobacco before using papaverine to achieve an erection may reduce the effect of the treatment. Avoid smoking for at least 1 hour before the injection with papaverine. If the treatment does not work as expected, do not repeat the injection or increase your dose without first talking to your doctor. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs.

Moderate:

papaverine Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: papaverine

Ethanol and papaverine may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or changes in pulse or heart rate, especially when treatment is started, the dose is changed, or treatment is restarted. Tell your doctor promptly if these symptoms occur and seek urgent medical help if you faint or have severe dizziness. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

37 potential interactions Applies to: 34 conditions, including Depression, Heart Failure, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Seizures, and Arrhythmia.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Adrenal Insufficiency.

Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison's disease). Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often with use beyond 1 month. If adrenal insufficiency has occurred with a particular opioid, other opioids may be tried as some cases reported use of a different opioid without recurrence of adrenal insufficiency. Available information does not identify which opioids are more likely to be associated with adrenal insufficiency.

Alcoholism

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Buprenorphine exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Each patient's risk should be assessed before prescribing buprenorphine analgesics, and all patients should be monitored regularly for development of such behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression); the potential for such risks should not prevent proper pain management in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed buprenorphine analgesics but use in such patients requires intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of buprenorphine, as well as intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse; prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered. All patients using buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be monitored for progression of opioid use disorder and addictive behaviors.

Buprenorphine is sought for nonmedical use (including by individuals with opioid use disorder) and is subject to criminal diversion. These risks should be considered when prescribing or dispensing buprenorphine. Strategies to reduce such risks should be used (e.g., prescribe smallest appropriate quantity, careful storage during use, proper disposal of unused drug).

Altered Consciousness

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Arrhythmia

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Thorough QT studies with buprenorphine have shown QT prolongation 15 msec or less; this QTc prolongation effect does not appear to be mediated by hERG channels. Based on these 2 findings, buprenorphine is unlikely to be proarrhythmic when used alone in patients without risk factors. However, these observations should be considered in clinical decisions when prescribing buprenorphine to patients with risk factors (e.g., hypokalemia, bradycardia, recent conversion from atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, baseline QT prolongation, subclinical long-QT syndrome, severe hypomagnesemia).

Asphyxia

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Asphyxia.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture. Urinary retention has been reported with buprenorphine.

Biliary Obstruction

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.

Opioid agonists may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which may increase biliary tract pressure. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions and transient elevations in serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be regularly evaluated for worsening symptoms. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with biliary tract disease, gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.

Brain Tumor

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Brain Tumor.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Brain Tumor.

The hypoventilation associated with administration of opioid partial agonists can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Unless mechanical ventilation is provided, extreme caution is advised when opioid partial agonists are given to patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, or a preexisting elevated CSF pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opioid partial agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.

Cachexia

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Cachexia.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Cerebral Vascular Disorder

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

The hypoventilation associated with administration of opioid partial agonists can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Unless mechanical ventilation is provided, extreme caution is advised when opioid partial agonists are given to patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, or a preexisting elevated CSF pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opioid partial agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Cor Pulmonale

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Cor Pulmonale.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Dehydration

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

Buprenorphine may cause severe hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension, syncope) in ambulatory patients. Risk is increased in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by reduced blood volume or coadministration of certain CNS depressant drugs; these patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension after starting or titrating buprenorphine. In patients with circulatory shock, buprenorphine may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure; buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with circulatory shock.

Depression

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Depression.

Buprenorphine exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Each patient's risk should be assessed before prescribing buprenorphine analgesics, and all patients should be monitored regularly for development of such behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression); the potential for such risks should not prevent proper pain management in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed buprenorphine analgesics but use in such patients requires intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of buprenorphine, as well as intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse; prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered. All patients using buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be monitored for progression of opioid use disorder and addictive behaviors.

Buprenorphine is sought for nonmedical use (including by individuals with opioid use disorder) and is subject to criminal diversion. These risks should be considered when prescribing or dispensing buprenorphine. Strategies to reduce such risks should be used (e.g., prescribe smallest appropriate quantity, careful storage during use, proper disposal of unused drug).

Drug Dependence

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.

Buprenorphine exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Each patient's risk should be assessed before prescribing buprenorphine analgesics, and all patients should be monitored regularly for development of such behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression); the potential for such risks should not prevent proper pain management in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed buprenorphine analgesics but use in such patients requires intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of buprenorphine, as well as intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse; prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered. All patients using buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be monitored for progression of opioid use disorder and addictive behaviors.

Buprenorphine is sought for nonmedical use (including by individuals with opioid use disorder) and is subject to criminal diversion. These risks should be considered when prescribing or dispensing buprenorphine. Strategies to reduce such risks should be used (e.g., prescribe smallest appropriate quantity, careful storage during use, proper disposal of unused drug).

Gallbladder Disease

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Gallbladder Disease.

Opioid agonists may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which may increase biliary tract pressure. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions and transient elevations in serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be regularly evaluated for worsening symptoms. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with biliary tract disease, gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Opioid analgesics are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

papaverine

Papaverine has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

The use of papaverine derivatives has been associated with an increase in intraocular pressure. Therapy with papaverine derivatives should be administered cautiously in patients with glaucoma.

Head Injury

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.

The hypoventilation associated with administration of opioid partial agonists can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Unless mechanical ventilation is provided, extreme caution is advised when opioid partial agonists are given to patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, or a preexisting elevated CSF pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opioid partial agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.

Heart Block

Major:

papaverine

Papaverine has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of papaverine and papaverine derivatives is contraindicated in patients with complete AV heart block. When conduction is depressed, these agents can induce transient ectopic rhythms of ventricular origin, either premature beats or paroxysmal tachycardia. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with conduction disturbances, including sinus bradyarrhythmia and partial or first-degree AV block.

Heart Failure

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Thorough QT studies with buprenorphine have shown QT prolongation 15 msec or less; this QTc prolongation effect does not appear to be mediated by hERG channels. Based on these 2 findings, buprenorphine is unlikely to be proarrhythmic when used alone in patients without risk factors. However, these observations should be considered in clinical decisions when prescribing buprenorphine to patients with risk factors (e.g., hypokalemia, bradycardia, recent conversion from atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, baseline QT prolongation, subclinical long-QT syndrome, severe hypomagnesemia).

Hypokalemia

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Thorough QT studies with buprenorphine have shown QT prolongation 15 msec or less; this QTc prolongation effect does not appear to be mediated by hERG channels. Based on these 2 findings, buprenorphine is unlikely to be proarrhythmic when used alone in patients without risk factors. However, these observations should be considered in clinical decisions when prescribing buprenorphine to patients with risk factors (e.g., hypokalemia, bradycardia, recent conversion from atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, baseline QT prolongation, subclinical long-QT syndrome, severe hypomagnesemia).

Hypotension

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

Buprenorphine may cause severe hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension, syncope) in ambulatory patients. Risk is increased in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by reduced blood volume or coadministration of certain CNS depressant drugs; these patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension after starting or titrating buprenorphine. In patients with circulatory shock, buprenorphine may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure; buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with circulatory shock.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Buprenorphine is metabolized in the liver, and its activity may be increased and/or extended in patients with impaired liver function.
-Buccal film or sublingual tablets: A dose adjustment is recommended for patients with severe liver dysfunction; patients with moderate or severe liver dysfunction should be periodically assessed for signs/symptoms of toxicity or overdose caused by increased buprenorphine levels.
-IM/IV injection: This product should be administered with caution in patients with severe liver dysfunction.
-Subcutaneous injection or subdermal implant: The effect of liver dysfunction on the pharmacokinetics of this product has not been studied. Due to the long-acting nature of the subcutaneous injection, dosage adjustments are not rapidly reflected in plasma buprenorphine levels. Because buprenorphine levels cannot be rapidly adjusted when using the subcutaneous injection, and because the subdermal implant cannot be titrated, patients with preexisting moderate to severe liver dysfunction are not candidates for treatment with these products.
-Transdermal system: This product has not been evaluated in patients with severe liver dysfunction; because this product is only intended for 7-day application, use of an alternate analgesic that may permit more flexibility with dosing in these patients should be considered.

Long QT Syndrome

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Long QT Syndrome.

Thorough QT studies with buprenorphine have shown QT prolongation 15 msec or less; this QTc prolongation effect does not appear to be mediated by hERG channels. Based on these 2 findings, buprenorphine is unlikely to be proarrhythmic when used alone in patients without risk factors. However, these observations should be considered in clinical decisions when prescribing buprenorphine to patients with risk factors (e.g., hypokalemia, bradycardia, recent conversion from atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, baseline QT prolongation, subclinical long-QT syndrome, severe hypomagnesemia).

Magnesium Imbalance

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.

Thorough QT studies with buprenorphine have shown QT prolongation 15 msec or less; this QTc prolongation effect does not appear to be mediated by hERG channels. Based on these 2 findings, buprenorphine is unlikely to be proarrhythmic when used alone in patients without risk factors. However, these observations should be considered in clinical decisions when prescribing buprenorphine to patients with risk factors (e.g., hypokalemia, bradycardia, recent conversion from atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, baseline QT prolongation, subclinical long-QT syndrome, severe hypomagnesemia).

Pancreatitis

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Pancreatitis.

Opioid agonists may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which may increase biliary tract pressure. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions and transient elevations in serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be regularly evaluated for worsening symptoms. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with biliary tract disease, gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.

Psychiatric Disorders

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Psychiatric Disorders.

Buprenorphine exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Each patient's risk should be assessed before prescribing buprenorphine analgesics, and all patients should be monitored regularly for development of such behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression); the potential for such risks should not prevent proper pain management in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed buprenorphine analgesics but use in such patients requires intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of buprenorphine, as well as intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse; prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered. All patients using buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be monitored for progression of opioid use disorder and addictive behaviors.

Buprenorphine is sought for nonmedical use (including by individuals with opioid use disorder) and is subject to criminal diversion. These risks should be considered when prescribing or dispensing buprenorphine. Strategies to reduce such risks should be used (e.g., prescribe smallest appropriate quantity, careful storage during use, proper disposal of unused drug).

Pulmonary Impairment

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Buprenorphine is substantially excreted by the kidney; the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Buprenorphine has not been studied in patients with renal dysfunction; caution is recommended when used in patients with severe renal dysfunction.

Respiratory Arrest

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Scoliosis

Major:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a major potential interaction with Scoliosis.

Buprenorphine analgesics are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with buprenorphine. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of therapy or after a dosage increase. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; however, naloxone may not be effective in reversing respiratory depression produced by buprenorphine due to its slow rate of dissociation from mu receptors.

The use of buprenorphine analgesics in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Buprenorphine-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of buprenorphine analgesics; buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in such patients with compromised respiratory function. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), buprenorphine analgesics may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting therapy. Buprenorphine for opioid dependence should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, and other circumstances where cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury; use of buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in older adult, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating buprenorphine analgesics and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered. Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with kyphoscoliosis.

Seizures

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders, may increase the risk of seizures occurring in other clinical settings associated with seizures, and, at higher dosages, have been reported to induce seizures in patients without history of seizures. Patients with history of seizure disorders should be regularly evaluated for worsened seizure control during therapy. Prolonged meperidine use may increase the risk of toxicity (e.g., seizures) from the accumulation of the active metabolite (normeperidine).

Shock

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Shock.

Buprenorphine may cause severe hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension, syncope) in ambulatory patients. Risk is increased in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by reduced blood volume or coadministration of certain CNS depressant drugs; these patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension after starting or titrating buprenorphine. In patients with circulatory shock, buprenorphine may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure; buprenorphine analgesics should be avoided in patients with circulatory shock.

Urinary Retention

Moderate:

Sublocade

The buprenorphine in Sublocade has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Buprenorphine should be used with caution in patients with prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture. Urinary retention has been reported with buprenorphine.

More resources

papaverine

A total of 398 drugs are known to interact with papaverine.

Sublocade

A total of 754 drugs are known to interact with Sublocade.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.